Mariners talent could be pillaged

TALK about falling apart at the seams. And how Central Coast Mariners supporters must hate the January transfer window.

All season long the Mariners have been the most structured, organised and together side in the competition, so it's hardly surprising that they have looked the team most likely to take out the title.

But within days Graham Arnold's squad looks like it will be gutted by player departures as the transfer window blows open and clubs in Europe and Asia swoop to pillage its best talent.

Striker Bernie Ibini has become the latest Mariner to attract overseas attention, the club confirming on Thursday that he would be leaving Gosford to trial with one of the biggest clubs in Belgium, Club Brugge.

Ibini will travel to Launceston for the Mariners game with Melbourne Victory on Saturday and then leave. The youngster is contracted with the club until the end of the 2013-14 season, so if he does leave the cash-strapped team should be able to demand a transfer fee.

Ibini will miss the following week's derby with the Jets, but should be back in time for the top-of-the-table clash with Adelaide United.

Tommy Rogic, the Socceroo midfielder who is suspended for the Victory game, is due to trial with Scottish giant Glasgow Celtic in Spain, while goalkeeper Mathew Ryan is set to travel to Glasgow for a trial with the other huge club in Scotland, Rangers.

They might not be the last of departures from Gosford either as clubs in Asia, usually keen for tall, strong Australian centre-backs and forwards, might cast eyes even at the likes of Daniel McBreen, the league's leading scorer this season, despite the fact he is 35.

The moves are set to continue around the league, with Brisbane midfielder Erik Paartalu reportedly on the verge of a move to either South Korea or China. According to au.fourfourtwo.com, Paartalu's agent, David O'Keefe, said: ''We're in discussion with a club in Korea and two clubs in China. We were hopeful of something being finalised this time last week, but it's been dragged out a little bit.

''Brisbane have been good, very supportive. We obviously told them early December he was going to move on, just for a new challenge - not because he's unhappy at the club.''

■Melbourne Victory youngster Petar Franjic, who left the club on Thursday, is understood to be moving to Thailand to join Bangkok Glass, where former Perth Glory striker Billy Mehmeto went earlier this month. The team is coached by former Adelaide United assistant Phil Stubbins.

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